Indisputably one of the most famous reserves in the world and certainly Kenya, the Masai Mara is a picture of quintessential Africa. The beautiful reserve covers 1,510km² of stunning scenery ranging far beyond the iconic image of savannah plains, with an extended wilderness of acacia woodland, swamps, koppies, forests and hilly grassland.
The Masai Mara forms a huge unfenced ecosystem with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which sets the stage for one of nature's greatest spectacles. While game viewing in the Mara is exceptional all year round, from August to October it spikes dramatically with the coming of the Great Migration. This wildlife bonanza sees over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebra journey from the Serengeti plains to the Masai Mara in a continuous migratory cycle.
Big game viewing, particularly of predators, is extraordinary. Sightings of the Big Five are excellent with strong elephant and buffalo populations, the latter being the favoured prey of the Mara's large lion prides. The level of plains game that call the reserve home is rivalled only by the Serengeti, with incredible eland, giraffe, Coke's hartebeest and topi sightings. The Mara also supports a growing population of endangered black rhino and is one of the best places in Africa to see cheetah.
While game drives are the traditional way to explore the reserve, sweeping high above the plains and swooping low in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to take in the Mara landscape and its wildlife. With a Masai Mara safari accommodation ranges from exclusive tented experiences to luxury lodges and traditional camps, all of which provide an excellent introduction to Kenya's most famous reserve.
The reserve can at times become over popular with visitors; as such staying in private concessions adjoining the Mara offers added privacy while affording all the reserve has to offer. Such concessions provide excellent activities that can't be enjoyed in the main reserve, with walking safaris and bush breakfasts on offer.
Our favourite itineraries, showcasing the best of Masai Mara
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Set in a private concession in the Masai Mara, Kichwa Tembo is a luxury tented camp that offers impeccable game viewing and comfortable accommodation.
Offering a spectacular tented experience, safari in the private Koiyaki wilderness area and take on extended game drives for incredible wildlife sightings.
An excellent camp set in the heart of the Masai Mara, expect modern safari chic, comfortable interiors and a great situation nearby the wildebeest crossing sites of the Mara River.
Found on the Masai Mara's western boundary in a stunning private concession this charming camp offer fantastic views, a superb tented experience and a private butler.
Stay in comfort and explore the stunning 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Take-in magnificent views, old world charm and phenomenal game viewing.
Taking you back in time this amazing camp provides an authentic and luxurious safari experience with inviting colonial class.
Rekero offers a charming Masai Mara safari experience, resting on a picturesque bend in the Talek River this tented camp is a great option for taking in the Great Migration.
Kicheche Mara Camp is a charming camp set in the game rich heart of the Mara North Conservancy. Relax in this classic bush camp and enjoy exciting game drives and bush walks.
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